Weekend off …

The Punch will return at its normally scheduled time on Monday morning with bundles of information on the Luke’s Wings event and the following upcoming events: Once Upon a Prom, Courage Cup, Leukemia Ball, Red Cross Fire and Ice Ball, Young Benefactors of the Smithsonian Polo Cup, oh my! and plenty more.  The charity/social docket is quite full this season. 

Also note, two reality shows will hit our nation’s capital.  But, is America ready for a real look at DC?  More to come …

Oscar Night DC for the Red Cross NCA

It has been a full work week (we needed the whole week to recover) since the Oscars on Sunday night, but in case you were wondering how Oscar Night DC benefiting the Red Cross of the National Capital Area went, the event was quite splendid according to the feedback by those polled.  There were about 375 people or so all decked out in their finest Washington Red Carpet attire – which was again, quite nice for a Sunday evening.  The Silent Auction items were gobbled up eagerly and Pamela Brown of WJLA was a magnificent emcee. 

Thanks to the entire Host Committee for really pulling out the stops and to everyone who came and supported the team and the Red Cross NCA. Thank you so much to those who generously donated auction items and the raffle prize and to the Posh staff as well as the Red Cross staff and event volunteers.  Of course, our deepest gratitude to DC Magazine for their promotion and coverage!  Lastly, congratulations to Andrea Rodgers (Silent Auction Diva), Carl Becker (Rookie of the Year) and Jessica Gibson (All Star) for their diligent, enthusiastic voluntary work and positive energy. 

Enough about that! Want to see the pix?

Joseph Allen Images

Project Beltway by Rachel Cothran

DC SCORES Friendraiser at Chi Cha

Thanks to everyone who ventured to the hip U Street corridor on a VERY COLD (where DID THAT come from?) evening last night in order to support DC SCORES.  Chi Cha, one of the several restaurant lounges owned by Latin Concepts, hosted enough people to cover the entire space for the happy hour event.  For those who wanted to imagine that it was actually 70 degrees outside instead of a blustery 17 degrees, there were complimentary mojitos, thanks to the donation by 10 Cane Rum (and the lovely and talented David Cronin), and of course plenty of Latin inspired dishes. 

The DC SCORES Soccer Ball presented by Latin Concepts with DC Magazine as the Media Sponsor, is the eve of March 13th at the OAS Building.  You can expect the following:

– Silent auction with open bar and passed appetizers from 6:30-8:00pm
-  VIP reception held in the beautiful and lush OAS indoor patio featuring a private bar, passed appetizers and local celebrities.  Featuring music by Duende Camarón.
-  Dinner stations open at 8pm
-  Five different stations will feature delicious food from Latin Concepts’ restaurants from sushi to Latin American favorites complimented by specialty cocktails, various wines, Jim Beam, Ciroc Vodka and 10 Cane Rum.
-  Hosted by Lindsay Czarniak of NBC4 Sports, the Soccer Ball will feature performances from our talented students and their original poetry.
-  The live auction will feature a “Girls Night Out” Package for four women, a styling session at the Erwin Gomez Salon for each, a table at Josephine’s and car service; also available is a VIP tour of the new National’s ballpark before opening day paired with 2 tickets to a 2008 home game, 2 on-field passes and a meet & greet with a Nationals player; another live auction item is a New York trip for two complete with two Acela train tickets, two passes to TRL, an AOL listening session, dinner and a hotel stay.

What a fantastic evening guests will have in store for them.  Please purchase YOUR tickets today at www.dcscores.org ! 

One more thing …

Hopefully, you are out doing a marathon shopping spree at one of the Bloomingdale’s locations today … or at least plan to drop off your charity card!  You have until 10pm tonight.

For all you North Arlingtonians who live around the Wilson Boulevard/Clarendon Boulevard area, your wish has been granted.  PIOLA, a favorite neighborhood hot spot for lunch, dinner, happy hour and events now has stepped it up to … drum roll please … DELIVER!  Yes, you now can get your favorite brick oven pizza, fresh salads with awesome ingredients, and even your pastas transported right to your door, so your lazy self won’t have to get fixed up leave the house.  So dial up and order in! 

Meanwhile, more people keep getting a year older, including one Theo Wilhite.  Happy Birthday to you Theo!  Celebrate with friends in good health all weekend! 

Finally, we hope to see you at Chi Cha Lounge on U Street for the DC SCORES Friendraiser tonight!

Birthday wishes

go to a man of great integrity, generosity, kindness, charm, smarts, influence, and success: THE Peter Abrahams, Publisher of DC Magazine (Modern Luxury).  An intimate group of friends and family (his lovely wife was there too) completely surprised the magazine guru last night at Teatro Goldoni.  He said, “In all of my XX years, I have never had a surprise party!” Great job Kim Luk for putting the show on.  Peter, may all your wishes come true this year and the best for another XX years!

Where YOU need to be this week:

Wednesday February 27th 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Chi Cha Lounge on U Street to support the DC SCORES Soccer Ball presented by Latin Concepts Friendraiser.  This event is no cost with complimentary mojitos and appetizers.  Please RSVP to the lovely and talented Jessica Gibson at jessica@latinconcepts.com

Tickets for the DC SCORES Soccer Ball presented by Latin Concepts are still on sale for the eve of March 13th.  Expect a fun, sexy, Latin vibe to this unique event, with tons of food, silent and live auction items worth checking out, and great music. Remember, this is being presented by Latin Concepts – Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld and company know how to throw a great party – and this one is for a super cause!  Be there.

Thursday February 28th 12:00pm – 1:30pm, Nathan’s on M and Wisconsin for the Q&A Cafe’ with Carol Joynt.  Meteorologist Bob Ryan of NBC4 will impart his wisdom, tell charming anecdotes and regale guests with his history in DC, all while being on Carol’s hot seat. Can’t make this one?  Next Wednesday the 5th is Philippe Cousteau, a dear friend, philanthropist (EarthEcho International) and television ocean adventurer (for Discovery, Animal Planet and BBC) … oh and resident “hottest DC bachelor”.

Friday February 29th through Sunday March 2nd, Ronald Reagan Building for the Washington DC International Food & Wine Festival – remember to check out the Grand Cru Wine Lounge and all the cool tastings and seminars.

Saturday March 1st 8:30pm – 1am, City Tavern Club for the Luke’s Wings Inaugural Flight event.  Please remember to bring CASH or a CHECK (made out to Luke’s Wings) for the $45 entrance fee and ARRIVE EARLY!  This is the first benefit for the new charity, Luke’s Wings, which was established in order to pay for families’ flights from across the country to Walter Reed.  There are hundreds of wounded soldiers who have returned from combat and would love to be with their loved ones.  This is a way to thank and give back to these men and women who put themselves in harms way for us.   There will be live music, a CASH BAR, and appetizers.  Guests’ attire is Cocktail and Servicemen are encouraged to wear their uniforms.

MEDIA: Please contact Lindley Thornburg at lindley@heatherfreeman.com

Have a great busy, successful week and hope to see you at all these venues!